New Delhi, July 7 -- The 17th annual Brics summit began on Sunday in Brazil against the backdrop of trade wars and actual wars, continuing the bloc's efforts to create a strong alternative to the G7 to highlight the interests of the 'global south' and emerging economies.

However, it started on a lacklustre note, with Chinese President Xi Jinping skipping it and Russian President Vladimir Putin joining virtually to avoid arrest warrants against him.

Nevertheless, the summit, which saw representatives from other countries, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, garnered the attention of US President Donald Trump, who threatened an additional 10% tariff on any country aligning with the "anti-American policies of BRICS".

While the ...